A Closer Look at the Alexander Shorokhoff Kandy Avantgarde Watch

Just the very sound of the name of the Alexander Shorokhoff Kandy Avantgarde Watch gives you an indication that it’s a very special creation. A special name for a unique example of the very best in artistic expression through the use of color and design. It’s far removed from a classic category with its approach that delivers the arts in their modern and whimsical form to the world of horology. A closer look at this decidedly different approach to displaying a new concept in watch design through an innovative aesthetic that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it speaks to those who have an artistic flair and it’s deserving of our careful attention.

A retro perspective in watchmaking

The Alexander Shorokhof Kandy Avantgarde watch combines the elements of past ages with a touch of vintage watches from the ’40s and ’50s with elements of the next two decades to follow. It’s hard to put your finger on the precise works it represents as there are so many, so we’ll settle for the fact that it is a melding of the ages.

The case

The case has the feeling of being oversized in its square shape and 41mm diameter size. It’s only 9mm in thickness which makes it comfortable on the wrist and gives the watch a slender profile. The infusion of rose gold and PVD black wires in the grooves tidy the busy surface up a bit. When you turn the watch around, the case back is a bit of a surprise with amazing engravings and two round openings that expose the details of at least part of the inner workings of the movement. It’s not skeletonized per se, but rather just enough of a view to reveal the attention paid to the most minute details including engraving on the movement.

The dial

The dial features a division of the face in a circular design that takes up the center portion with a myriad of pie wedge-like segments diving the face rather unevenly. An infusion of multiple design elements adds a definite intention to create a strong geometry if not slightly chaos. It makes you want to look for some hidden pattern to the shapes that do not seem to go together. It is an ongoing contrast shown through squares, circles and offset with triangular shapes. The same is true for the back of the watch

The movement

The movement is an ETA 2892 which has been crafted with a custom rotor. It is partially displayed through the cutaways in the steel case that has been applied to the case back. When viewing the movement from the rear of the watch, you can see finely detailed engraving and as though it needed to be pointed out, the word “engraving” is etched into the visible part of the movement.

Price and availability

The Alexander Shorokhoff Kandy Avantgarde Watch is currently available for sale to the public. It has been produced in an extremely limited release with only 100 total examples ever made. The price tag is set at $3,125.

Analysis

While some critics have argued that the case back has an unfinished feeling and that it doesn’t fit in with the rest of the watch, I am of the opposite opinion. In my estimation, it is a brilliant addition and I actually prefer its carefully planned novelty to the dial which comes across as busy if not purely chaotic. The form is ample and although it’s not my preference, I cannot help but appreciate the intense artistic expression of this timepiece.

Even if you can not appreciate the aesthetics, the application of the principles of geometry as an art form cannot be overlooked. It’s obviously a fine luxury watch with intense design features that will move you on an emotional level in some way and evoke a response. Is it worth more than $3,125? Our assessment is that it is definitely worth the cost. Whether you’re a fan or not, this piece is clearly destined to become a collector’s item if not immediately, then in the future. Within a few decades, you may be glad that you added it to your collection.

About The Author

Nat Berman

Nat is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Uncoached Corporation and all its properties. His primary roles are managing editorial, business development, content development, online acquisitions, and operations.Uncoached began in 2007 with one site and a goal of creating content that was clear, concise, worth reading, entertaining, and useful. Since then the portfolio has grown to 8 properties covering a wide array of verticals including business, personal finance, real estate, architecture, television, movies, entertainment, video games, lifestyle, pets, and more.